AI-Proof Artistic Specialties

The beauty of artistic creation is that its applications are nearly endless. Any two people who love to create could become equally-talented professionals in very different settings. For instance, two children with excellent draftsmanship could go into the concept design, while the other pursued storyboarding instead. Those interested in vibrant, beautiful color composition could excel in visual development versus interior design, both crafting scenes that evoke the emotions in completely different realms.

In the same way, the impact of AI art has seen its effects play out differently across the artistic world. In this article, we'll explore some of the areas that have seen the greatest resilience to the impact of generation. Attention will be drawn to those areas most affected as well, and ways in which interested artists can continue to pursue work within these related skillsets.

You'll find that these "AI-proof" specialties all share something in common -- they are anchored by some tangible, indelible connection to the real world, particularly on an individual or community level. This tends to be achieved either through emotion or through physical presence, and we'll dive into the significance of each of these things as we continue.

Strip Comics

As first seen on cave walls by the earliest humans, sequential art as a mode of storytelling has its roots deep within human history. In most recent memory, they became a household staple in the heyday of physical media -- Calvin & Hobbes, Snoopy, and Garfield being among some of the most fondly remembered titles of this time. Sadly enough, we saw their decline as media consumption began to shift from the paper to the screen -- only to enjoy a renewed renaissance when digital apps (especially Instagram with its square format and easy-swipe features) made reading strip comics feel natural to read again, along with being more widely accessible than ever. No need to pay for a subscription or stay on top of the new weekly publication -- just download a free app and join in on the fun with the rest of the world.

Genres can include humor, satire, wellness, self-help, or autobiography detailing the lives of particular professions or relatable seasons of life. Whatever your area of interest or message to share with others, there's nearly always a way to convey your personality, personal experiences, or reflections to share with the world.

Murals and Community Art

There's a sense of belonging that a mural brings to one's town or city, providing a warm welcome home or noteworthy highlight to the local culture for visitors to enjoy. They place on display the excellence found within the population, and even go as far as to put your location on the map across the globe.

Examples include the Harbor Freeway Overture, a famous painting (not a photograph!) of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra towering above the 110 freeway, which has served as a cultural highlight for over 30 years, along with the towering Sistine Chapel adorning the ceiling of the world's most famous cathedral. Pieces like these speak to the values of the time, providing a timeless reference for the attributes of greatest importance in their respective communities.

Now, the side of multiple towering buildings -- to say nothing of the roof of an entire chapel -- doesn't sound all too accessible to the upcoming artist. Sure, those are AI-proof all right -- but where can we fit in? It turns out that opportunities for community art exist in a multitude of forms, such as the artistry that stores such as Trader Joe's commissions for each of their unique locations. Art pieces can be found within Wal-Mart as well, along with community pillars such as hospitals and recreation centers as well.

Custom-Made Commissions

This category has a breadth of options to explore, and is likely to become all the more valued as genuine human art becomes further valued in society today. There is nothing quite like the perfect art piece to commemmorate the completion of a cherished milestone, display one's gratitude to a loved one, or memorialize a once-in-a-lifetime event that holds great meaning to an individual or a family.

One of the most popular trends as of late is the presence of a live painter at a wedding or other noteworthy event. Not only does the client get to have a unique piece that encapsulates their special moment safely within time, but entertainment is provided for all the guests to enjoy while the artist puts the entire creative process on display for others to learn from and appreciate.

Family portraits are another prized possession that many homes have proudly displayed on their walls, as well as the rise of customized pet illustrations as well. When it comes to demonstrating care for a loved one, nothing speaks to the intentionality of the commissioner than taking the effort to search for a talented artist to provide with the perfect details tailored to their recipient's likeness.

Signature Styling

Finally -- and this is perhaps the most comforting highlight of all -- be assured that one can continue to enjoy the development and display of their personal style, just as before. Moreso than ever before, however you consistently display yourself will become a foundation for your recognition that viewers will be quick to recognize more than ever before.

What this means, of course, is more intentionality toward the development of a style all your own. In the times before AI, this was not quite as much of a requirement, as becoming fluent in a pre-existing style would still provide artists with many opportunities for their work. These styles typically included classic and modern Disney, anime, and simplified forms familiar to current animation trends. While these can (and should!) serve as foundations to your own work, one must make the effort to expand their boundaries and develop a look all their own. For some, it comes immediately, whereas for others (and I would say most artists), it is the result of many hours of deliberate study and practice. Once you find your unique expression, however, it will pay dividends to the recognition of your work going forward.

I hope you enjoyed this overview of paths you can consider as you move forward in your artistic endeavors. Perhaps you're a new artist wondering how to zero in on your specialty of choice, or maybe you're a seasoned artist looking for opportunities to further adapt in a changing landscape. However you may go, remember that viewers will want evidence of one thing more than anything else -- indelible proof that the artist behind the work will be recognizably and genuinely on display. Stay centered in this way and your art is sure to make a impact on those who diligently seek to find it.